Gum Health Matters
Once you’re past your mid-20s, you’re far more likely to lose teeth because of gum disease than tooth decay. That’s why every NHS dental check-up includes a gum screening called the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE).
You can easily check things like your BMI, and track your blood pressure, but your BPE score must be measured by a dentist or hygienist. It’s an important number to know.
Find out more: why gums bleed
Risk factors for gum disease
Gum disease is very common — and it’s one of the main reasons adults lose teeth. The good news is that a lot of the risk is under your control.
The table below shows the main factors linked to gum disease, using a simple traffic-light system (green/amber/red). It’s designed to help you spot what might be pushing your risk up, and what changes could bring it down.
This illustration was originally part of the Teeth4life App. It isn’t perfect, but it shows something important: higher gum screening scores (the ones dentists use) are often linked with greater bone loss, and over time that can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Gum health and general health
Who is more at risk?
What is BPE?
About this risk guide
“This tool gives an educational risk indicator based on common risk factors. It does not diagnose gum disease for each individual. It does not replace monitoring your BPE regularly, as advised by your dentist or hygienist.”
Gum Disease Tooth-Loss Risk Checker
Educational self-check to highlight factors linked with gum disease and tooth loss. The model is non-linear (multipliers), then mapped to a 0–100 score.
This video explainss how and why to use an interdental brush. For more information type in BPE, gum disease, or interdental in the teeth4life YouTube Channel
